God doesn't...

...why should we?

Moving from Point to Point...

A lot of times we're trying to move people from Point A to Point B - from where they are to where they should be - more like to where we think they should be.

A few years ago, we were having a conversation with Pastor Wale Adenuga and he made a comment around the fact that people only move from being part of the Audience to Congregation in church based on their Belief. Of course, I pulled it together so we have the A-B-C.

As I typed this, the Holy Spirit added that it's only in moving up to "Point D" that anyone will enjoy E F with G. So let's break that down.

It's one thing to progress from being a church goer (audience) to becoming a member (congregation) - as our belief (faith) deepens. The true value of life comes from Point D - when one becomes a Disciple because then we'll spend our Eternal life Forever with God.

The question I've continued to ask myself is what is my role - first as a Christian and then Mrs. Pastor - in helping people move not just from Point A to Point C but even to Point D? You know, your husband-pastor and other ministers could preach the most spiritually-sound sermons and then the relationship soil in your church could be filled with thorns and weeds. I've decided that the only person I can control is me. So I constantly assess (& till) myself - taming my words so they don't come out as weeds or thorns. The warning is clear in Mark 9:42
And whoever causes one of these little ones (these believers) who acknowledge and cleave to Me to stumble and sin, it would be better (more profitable and wholesome) for him if a [huge] millstone were hung about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. (Amplified)

Whatever we do (or don't do), we should be encouraging others to keep moving forward and upward in their relationship with God. What a joy to see others progress...from point to point.

Follow me...

A few months ago, I was sharing a concern with my husband. I told him that there seems to be lack of depth among Christians and fewer people are disciples. He partially agreed with me and then said that when Jesus said "Follow me"* it was an invitation, not an instruction.

Something is missing...

The first time I saw this a few years ago, I was tickled...nice play with words and letters especially now that we've technologically advanced from shorthand to "short-speak" - yes, just look at texts & tweets and count how many words are complete.

As I pondered on it, I challenged myself and others who go on with the "something is missing" attitude.
I find that it is so easy to talk about all that is "missing" or not being done in our churches. Remember my piece on "Noted?"* Let's go on...

Focus on one...

A few months ago, someone shared a variation of the 'Each one, teach one' African-American quote - it struck me so I decided to tweak it a bit and share it and the related verses with you:

 

If each one reach (and teach) one and every one win one,

how many one ones will be won for Christ?

 

Mother Teresa put it this way:

 

Never worry about numbers.

Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.

 

Last year, God very gently got me over the "hump of numbers."

In fact, I remember Bishop TD Jakes talking about how frustrating it can be when he prepares and pours of himself into people and they still don't "get it." As some of us know from our own personal experience, it is frustrating and sometimes could have you double-guessing yourself and what you do - whether it's even worth it. 

 

I can tell you is it's worth it - yes it is!

 

Jesus gave us 2 examples of going after "The One."*

 

The bottom line is: All you, I, we, need to do is reach out to at least one person and the world will be a better place for everyone.

Paul also reminds us in 2 Timothy 2:2 -

And the [instructions] which you have heard from me along with many witnesses, transmit and entrust [as a deposit] to reliable and faithful men who will be competent and qualified to teach others also. (Amplified)

The truth is: Our faithfulness will determine our fruitfulness. Stay faithful to the path God has outlined for you - fruitfulness will follow...every tree with many fruits started from one seed.

Focus on the Ministry (to One) & you will not be in the Misery to many - who don't show up.
May God prosper our ministries - and put out our miseries - this year. AMEN!

Happy Labour Day to many of us and may our labour in His Kingdom not be in vain.

References:
*Luke 15: 1-10 and Matthew 18: 11-14